Beginner Off-Season Program

[jared]

Strength training is very important to a complete triathlon program. All of the pros incorporate strength training programs and the benefits are many. Have you ever been at the end of a long bike ride or a race and while your heart rate is low and you're not breathing hard, your legs just can't seem to go.

Ever been in the swim and get out of the water with your arms just dead and hanging lifeless by your body? Well, hopefully not that bad but I think you get my point. Your strength has failed, not your cardiovascular system. Strength training can help with that as well as sport specific training that builds power.

Does anyone have any good links to triathlon specific strength training programs? I have used The Winter Program triathlete strength training from Mike Ricci (USAT Level III Coach) who adapted it from Joel Friel's program. If you don't know Joel Friel, he is the author of the quintessential book on Ironman distance training and racing, Going Long. He also created the Training Bible. Anyway, check out the triathlon specific weight training program. It seems pretty good.

and... just to let you know. It doesn't need to just be a Winter program, just not your peak racing season.